Hillsdale Baptist Church (6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa) sent its third relief team to Port Charlotte, FL this morning, taking 2 large trailers to Tri-City Baptist Church which has been a hub to their surrounding communities. Hillsdale is continuing to cooperate with Operation Renewed Hope.

We are surveying the need for future relief trips, especially since FEMA arrived earlier this week with bottled water (eliminating the need to send more pallets of water as we did on Monday and Wednesday this week). We have been told that Gas Stations are beginning to open and supply gas. We have determined that will no longer be a need as well.

I will communicate our next mission to the area, after I receive intel from those who are traveling to Port Charlotte this morning. Some electricity is being restored, of course, there are many who have lost their homes, and several churches in the area did not have flood insurance. The home of the pastor we are working with was completely under water.  Thank you for taking time to read my updates. I especially appreciate any who have contributed to our effort to comfort and give aid.

With the heart of a shepherd,

Travis D. Smith, Senior Pastor